As we close out National Social Work Month, The Social Worker Podcast is honoured to feature Lisa Mishibinijima, whose spirit name is Kinew Kwe (Golden Eagle Woman). 

Lisa is an Anishinaabekwe of the Bear Clan and a band member of M’chigeeng First Nation. Before any professional role, she grounds herself in her relationships — as a daughter, sister, mother, wife, cousin, friend, hunter, and helper. These responsibilities guide how she moves through the world and how she shows up in community. 

Living and working in Sioux Lookout since 2009, Lisa has spent over 20 years supporting community wellness through roles in harm reduction, youth justice, counselling, shelters, management, and frontline service. Today, she works with the Hepatitis C Program at Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, continuing to support healing and wellness in First Nations communities.  

In this episode, Lisa reflects on: 

• The importance of relationships and accountability in social work 

• How land-based knowledge and culture shape her practice 

• Supporting community through harm reduction and frontline care 

• The role of lived experience in guiding healing and wellness 

• The land as teacher and guide in both life and practice